Mesh sensor networking demand increases

Demand for wireless sensor networking in manufacturing is increasing largely because of users anticipating increased reliability and scalability of mesh networking, according to a recent study by ON World Inc. With thousands of nodes per network likely to be commonplace within five years, the research firm projects that 168 million nodes could be deployed in 2010, which it...

By Staff August 1, 2004

Demand for wireless sensor networking in manufacturing is increasing largely because of users anticipating increased reliability and scalability of mesh networking, according to a recent study by ON World Inc. With thousands of nodes per network likely to be commonplace within five years, the research firm projects that 168 million nodes could be deployed in 2010, which it says would constitute a $5.9-billion end-user market.

Besides potentially reducing wiring costs 50-70%, ON adds that wireless sensor networks enable real-time data sharing throughout a facility, and increase industrial efficiency and productivity. The company reports that replacing wired systems and fieldbuses with wireless sensor networking can deliver many advantages, such as larger-scale networking and real-time monitoring.